Sexuality, role-play and frustration in Roberto Arlt’s "Una tarde de domingo"

Abstract

This study examines the processes whereby the protagonist of ‘Una tarde de domingo’ attempts to escape from the hypocrisy of the dominant moral code, and how he ultimately fails. He attempts to escape by exposing how those around him play socially ordained roles – and by denigrating them. These roles are imposed through gossip and through the mass media. However, he fails as he too plays a role, that of the outsider.